Urinary tract infections(UTI) are among the most common health problems faced by millions of people every day. Anyone at any age can get affected with urinary tract infection. But, women are more prone to develop UTIs when compared to men. This is because the urethra is shorter in women than men and is closer to the anus. As a result, the urinary bladder becomes vulnerable to bacteria attacks. This article highlights some of the best home remedies for urinary tract infection.
Note: UTI can affect the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that run in between them.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
Here are the main causes of urinary tract infection:
- Abnormalities in the urinary tract
- Incorrect wiping direction
- Health conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injury
- Weakened immune system
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Birth control methods
- Kidney stones
- Sexual intercourse
- Dehydration
- Use of catheters
- Urinary surgery
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
The common symptoms of urinary tract infection include:
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Frequent urination
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Urine with a strong odour
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Pelvic pain
If any of these symptoms persist for more than two days, seek medical help. You can also consult a best urology doctor online.
7 Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection
Given below are some of the best home remedies for urinary tract infection. Keep reading!
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking water is perhaps one of the most effective and simplest ways to treat urinary tract infection. When you drink plenty of water, you tend to urinate regularly. This helps in flushing out the bacteria from the urinary tract, thereby preventing infection. It is recommended to drink minimum eight glasses of water every day.
Make sure to avoid drinking fluids that could worsen your symptoms of UTI.
Read also: Ways to Reduce Body Heat Naturally
2. Eat less sugar
If you are suffering from a urinary tract infection, limit the intake of sugary foods. This is because sugar helps bacteria manifest and grow more in the urinary tract. Therefore, it is always recommended to consume non-sugary and low carb foods like whole grains, pulses, and high fiber.
3. Drink cranberry juice
Cranberries are well known for their antibiotic properties that help to fight infection. Also, the proanthocyanidins present in cranberries prevent the E.coli bacteria from crossing the urethra walls.
It is recommended to drink at least 3 to 4 glasses of cranberry juice every day until you get rid of the infection. If you dislike the taste of cranberry juice, try diluting it with apple juice and water.
4. Take probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that increase the concentration of good bacteria while eliminating the bad bacteria. They promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
They improve your digestive health as well as enhances your immune system. Probiotics are available in the form of supplements or fermented foods such as kimchi, yoghurt, etc.
Probiotics work great when you are taking in antibiotics for urinary tract infection. This is because antibiotics can create a shortage of the good bacterias in your system.
5. Eat garlic
The sulphur-containing compound allicin present in garlic possesses strong antibacterial properties. It helps to ward off a variety of infectious UTI-causing bacteria including E. coli. However, it is always best to seek medical advice before having garlic for urinary tract infections.
6. Use a heating pad
When you are suffering from a urinary tract infection, you may experience pain in the pelvic area. Keep a heating pad or hot water bottle at the lower abdomen to relieve this pain and discomfort temporarily. While doing this, never apply the heat directly to your skin. Also, make sure that the applied heat is at a moderate level.
7. Wear breathable undergarments
Wearing loose-fitting clothes and cotton undergarments can prevent moisture from accumulating in the pelvic area. This prevents urinary tract infection.
To maximize your comfort level, reduce perspiration, and stop the infection from getting worse:
- Avoid tight clothing and synthetic fabrics
- Keep your pubic area clean and dry
Read also: Fungal Infections of the Skin
Follow these Healthy Habits to Prevent UTI
Here are some good bathroom and hygiene habits that you must follow to prevent urinary tract infection
- Do not hold urine for too long – This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in infection
- Pee after sexual intercourse – This reduces the risk of UTIs by preventing the spread of bacteria
- Avoid using spermicide – It can cause an increase in urinary tract infections.
- Wipe front to back – This is because, wiping from back to front can cause the spread of bacteria to the urinary tract, thereby increasing the risk of UTIs.
If you have any queries regarding urinary tract infection and the different ways to treat them, never hesitate to talk to a doctor.
Read also: How to Remove Kidney Stones Naturally?
